JPH0484948A - Punctual ultrasonic probe - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To further enhance the safety in a punctual means, and also, to exactly execute the punctual means by providing a punctual holding tool to be fitted and fixed to a housing part of an ultrasonic probe, and providing a detector for detecting whether the holding tool is installed or not and the kind of the holding tool. CONSTITUTION:A punctual holding tool 28 is provided so as to be fitted and fixed to a housing part of an ultrasonic probe 20 by a fitting projecting part 22 and a recessed part 29, and in order to detect whether the holding tool 28 is installed or not and its kind, a magnet 30 is embedded in the holding tool 28, and the detection is executed by a magnetic sensor 23 installed in the probe 20. Or in the case of the holding tool 28 made of a metal, an installation state of the piercing holding tool 28 is detected by a metallic sensor, a photodetector of a photodiode, a microswitch, etc. Based on an output of its detector 23, a punctual guide marker 61 is superposed and displayed automatically and surely on a tomography image 62 of a monitor screen 60 without operating a diagnostic device, a punctual position of a punctual needle 33 is grasped, and a punctual means to the target part can be executed exactly and safely.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application The present invention relates to detecting the presence or absence and type of a puncture holder attached to an ultrasound probe for puncture, and the display image of an ultrasound diagnostic device during puncture. 0 Prior Art Conventionally, as this type of ultrasonic probe for puncturing, for example, the one shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 30218/1983 as shown in FIG. 5(A) has been known. IL. Figure 5 (A
), a needle guide 3 that guides and holds the needle 6 through it at an arbitrary inclination angle is attached to a scale plate 2, and the scale plate 2 is arranged to wrap around the outer side of the housing of an electronic linear scanning probe 5. A puncturing ultrasonic probe is generally constructed by attaching the holder 1 to the probe 5. This ultrasonic puncture probe makes contact with a living body 7 and observes a B-mode ultrasound tomographic image, while extracting a piece of tissue or body fluid from a target area of the living body through a needle 6, and inspecting it. ,
The aim is to accurately diagnose the lesion.

Furthermore, it is intended to accurately inject a contrast agent for X-ray imaging or the like or inject a therapeutic agent or the like into a lesion through the needle 6. For this reason, the main body of the diagnostic device (
As shown in the monitor screen 0) (not shown), the insertion position of the needle 6 is grasped while observing the insertion direction marker 9 of the needle 6 superimposed on the ultrasonic tomographic image as a guide, and the insertion position of the needle 6 is grasped. We are trying to achieve accurate puncture.

It is also known that the inclination angle of the insertion direction marker 9 is variable in conjunction with the inclination angle of the needle guide 3, as shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 60-30217.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, in the conventional puncture ultrasonic probe described above, the puncture holder 1 is attached to the probe 5, and the needle guide 3 is further set at a desired inclination angle. Then, by operating a predetermined keyboard or the like on the main unit, the insertion direction marker 9 is depicted on the monitor screen, and then the probe 5 is brought into contact with the living body 7, and the position of the needle 6 to be inserted into the target area is determined using ultrasonic waves. Puncture is performed by performing the puncture operation while checking on a tomographic image. In order to depict this insertion direction marker 9 on the monitor screen, it is necessary to operate the main unit for each puncture procedure, which is very cumbersome, and sometimes people forget to operate it, so it is not always possible. There is a problem in that it is not possible to perform a puncture procedure while checking the insertion status of the needle 6 while observing the insertion direction marker 9 on the display screen of the device.

Furthermore, in order to prevent infection of the living body, it is desirable to concentrate on the puncture operation without touching any parts of the device other than the probe section as much as possible during the puncture procedure.

The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and
It is an object of the present invention to provide an excellent ultrasonic probe for puncturing that can solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, improve safety in puncturing, and perform accurate puncturing.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a puncturing holder so as to fit and be fixed to the casing of the ultrasonic probe.

Furthermore, in order to detect whether a puncture holder is attached or not, or the type of puncture holder, plastic puncture holders are constructed with embedded magnets, which include Hall elements, magnetic resistance elements, and leads. A magnetic sensor such as a switch constitutes a detector of the puncture holder.

In addition, when the puncture holder is made of metal, it is used as a metal sensor detector that utilizes changes in coil inductance, changes in capacitance, etc.

Further, as a detector, a photoelectric sensor consisting of a microswitch, a light emitting diode, a photodiode, etc. is used. At least one of the above-mentioned detectors is installed at a predetermined position on the housing of the ultrasonic probe so as to most easily detect the attachment of the puncture holder, and the attached state of the puncture holder is This system detects the type and type of puncture and superimposes the puncture guide marker on the tomographic image, thereby simplifying the operation of the diagnostic device during puncture.

Function The present invention has the above-described structure, and when a puncture holder in which a magnet is embedded, for example, is attached to a puncture ultrasonic probe, a Hall element, a magnetoresistive element, a reed switch, etc. The magnetic sensor's detector is activated, and its output signal detects that the puncture holder is attached to the ultrasound probe, and a puncture guide marker is automatically displayed on the monitor screen of the diagnostic device. It is something that will be done.

Therefore, according to the present invention, when performing a puncture procedure, a puncture guide marker indicating the direction and position of the puncture needle is automatically and reliably displayed on the monitor screen without operating the diagnostic device. Therefore, it is extremely easy to accurately and safely puncture a target part of a living body using the puncture guide marker as a guide.

Furthermore, since the operation of the diagnostic device is reduced, it is possible to concentrate on the puncturing procedure, which is beneficial in preventing contamination and infection.

Embodiment FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B) show a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1(A) shows an outline of a puncturing holder and a mechanical sector scanning type probe. Shows the road appearance. Also, the same figure (
B) shows a schematic configuration diagram of the puncture holder in an attached state.

Here, in FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B), 20 is the probe body, 22 is a convex portion that fits and is fixed to a plastic puncturing holder 28 in which a magnet 30 is embedded, and 23 is a A detector of a reed switch, which is a magnetic sensor activated by the proximity of the magnet 30, 25 is a groove through which the puncture needle 33 is guided, and 26 is a through hole 27 of the holder 28 (in this embodiment, it is inclined at 20 degrees). 29 is an auxiliary tool for guiding and holding the puncture needle 33 through the probe 20.
A recess 31 that fits into the recess 2 is provided with a vibrator 32 for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and is rotated by a drive mechanism (not shown) within the acoustic window 21 filled with an ultrasonic propagation medium liquid (not shown). Support bodies 24 each indicate a cable for electrically connecting the probe 20 and the main unit (not shown). By rotating the support 31 of the probe 20, the ultrasonic beam is mechanically scanned in sectors as shown by the arrows in FIG. It will be done. On the other hand, in the puncture procedure using this probe 20, first the holder 28 and the auxiliary tool 26 are sterilized by E, O1G sterilization method, etc.
The entire outer part of the probe 20 (cable 2
Also includes 4 parts. ) is disinfected with a disinfectant solution, and if necessary, covered with a previously sterilized and disinfected film (a material that does not interfere with ultrasonic transmission). Then, the auxiliary tool 26 is passed through the through hole 27 of the holder 28, and then the auxiliary tool 26 is passed through the through hole 27 of the holder 28.
9 and the protrusion 22 of the probe 20 are fitted and fixed to the probe 20.

Since the magnet 30 is close to the detector 23, the detector 23
The reed switch becomes conductive, and it is detected that the holder 28 is attached to the probe 20. As a result, the main unit displays the following information on the monitor screen 60 as shown in FIG. 4(A).
The puncture guide marker 61 is automatically superimposed on the tomographic image 62 in an oblique direction (at the same angle as the insertion direction of the puncture needle 33) without operating the main body device. Next, as shown in FIG. 4(A), while observing the puncture guide marker 61 shown on the monitor screen 60, an ultrasonic tomographic image of a desired part of the living body is drawn, and the puncture needle 33 is inserted into the groove 25. Throughout, the desired puncture technique is performed while observing the state of the puncture needle 33, which is inserted obliquely with the puncture guide marker 61 on the monitor screen 60 as the target. In this probe 20, once the puncture needle 33 is inserted into the desired site, it becomes unnecessary, so by rotating the auxiliary tool 26 and aligning the groove 25 with the groove 27a of the through hole 27, the puncture needle 33 is inserted into the living body. The structure is such that it can be removed while inserted. It goes without saying that the inclination angle of the through hole 27 of the holder 28 can be changed as needed, and the puncture guide marker 61 is linked and displayed superimposed on the tomographic image 62.

Note that a convex portion 22 is provided for fitting and attaching the holder 28 to the probe 20.
The recess 29 is not limited to this embodiment, and may be secured with screws. Further, in this embodiment, the convex portion 22 indicates the scanning start position of the ultrasonic beam of the probe 20. It goes without saying that the probe 20 can also be used for ordinary ultrasound diagnosis.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 2(A) to 2(C). FIG. 2 (A) is a schematic external view of the intrabody cavity probe, FIG. 2 (E) is a schematic external view of the puncture holder,
FIG. 2C shows a schematic configuration diagram showing a state in which the puncture holder is attached.

Here, in FIGS. 2(A) to (C), 40 is the probe body, 41 is a shaft to be inserted into the living body of the probe 4o together with the acoustic window part 42, and 42 is the shaft shown in FIG. 43 is a gripping portion of the probe 4o having a drive mechanism (not shown); 44 is an electrical connection cable with the main unit (not shown); 45 47 is a metal sensor that is activated by the proximity of the metal holder 46; 47 is a set screw for attaching a stainless steel holder 46 for puncturing to the probe 40 and tightening the holder 48; Each shows a detector made of a coil. This probe 40 is inserted into a body cavity (in the case of this embodiment, it is mainly adapted for transvaginal diagnosis), and mechanically transmits an ultrasound beam to the second embodiment as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. A generally sector-shaped tomographic image is obtained by performing sector scanning as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3(C).

In the puncture procedure using the probe 40, first, the holder 46 and set screw 45 are sterilized and disinfected by high-pressure steam sterilization, etc., and the outer part of the probe 40 (including the cable 44 part) is sterilized and disinfected. is disinfected with disinfectant. In addition, if necessary, a film (a material that does not interfere with ultrasonic transmission) that has been sterilized and disinfected in advance is covered. And the holder 46 is the second
The fixture 4 is attached to the probe 40 as shown in Figure (C).
8 portion is a set screw 4 attached to the rear end of the grip portion 43 of the probe 40.
It is fixed by 5. Here, the holder 46 is the detector 47
, and the inductance of the coil incorporated in the detector 47 changes. This change detects that the holder 46 is attached to the probe 40. As a result, as in the first embodiment, the main unit (O not shown)
As shown in FIG. 4(A), a puncture guide marker 61 is automatically and diagonally superimposed on a tomographic image 62 on a monitor screen 60 without operating the main device. In this embodiment, the holder 46 and set screw 45 are made of stainless steel, and the detector 47 is a metal sensor. Needless to say, it can be changed.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 3(A) shows a schematic external view of a holder for puncturing and an electronic linear scanning probe exclusively for puncturing. FIG. 2B shows a schematic diagram of the puncturing holder in its attached state.

Here, in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), 50 is the magnet 5.
A triangular plastic holder 5 in which 4 is embedded.
3, a probe body having a triangular recessed cutout that fits into the probe body, 52 a cable for electrical connection with the main unit (not shown), and 55 a hole which is a magnetic sensor activated by the proximity of the magnet 54. The detectors of each element are shown. This probe 50 is a puncture-only probe in which a large number of rectangular ultrasonic transducers are arranged in a straight line, and a puncture needle 5 is located approximately in the center.
A notch is provided for passing the 6. When the holder 53 having a recessed part with a width W corresponding to the thickness of the puncture needle 56 is attached as shown in FIG. The Hall element is activated, and it is detected that the holder 53 is attached.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 4(B), the puncture guide marker 64 is automatically displayed on the tomographic image 65 diagonally from the center of the monitor screen 63 of the main device (not shown) without operating the main device. displayed superimposed on top.

The details of the puncturing technique using this probe are almost the same as those in the first and second embodiments of the present invention, and will therefore be omitted. Note that in this embodiment, the detector 55 is a Hall element, but it is needless to say that the holder 53 can be detected in the same way even if a magnetoresistive element is used.

Further, the holder 53 may be optically detected by using a light emitting diode and a photodiode as the detector 55, for example.

It goes without saying that it is possible to detect the width W of the holder 53, as well as to detect the difference in the puncture direction angle as in the first embodiment, to identify the left and right direction, and to detect both the attachment.

In addition, the microswitch is built into the probe housing, and the knob part of the microswitch is provided so as to protrude toward the outside of the probe housing, so that the microswitch is connected to the mounting of the puncture holder. The puncture holder may be detected by pressing the knob.

Incidentally, FIG. 4(C) shows a schematic block diagram of the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. For example, when a puncture holder is attached to the probe 70, the detection circuit 76 is activated to detect and identify the attachment of the holder, and the character generator 77 generates a signal for displaying a puncture guide marker and synthesizes it. Part 7
3, it is combined with the ultrasound tomographic image signal.

The puncture guide marker is automatically displayed on the display unit 75 together with the tomographic image without operating the diagnostic device.

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the above-mentioned embodiments, the present invention provides a holder for the puncture needle so as to fit and be fixed to the housing of the ultrasonic probe, and determines whether or not the holder is attached and the type. For detection, a magnet is embedded in the holder and detected by a magnetic sensor installed on the probe. Alternatively, in the case of a metal holder, the attachment status of the puncture holder is detected using a metal sensor, photodiode photodetector, microswitch, etc., and the diagnostic device is operated based on the output of the detector. This system automatically and reliably displays the puncture guide marker superimposed on the tomographic image on the monitor screen to determine the insertion position of the puncture needle, allowing the puncture procedure to be performed accurately and safely at the target site. This method has the advantage of requiring less operation of the diagnostic equipment, allowing the user to concentrate on the puncturing procedure, and preventing harmful effects of infection and contamination of the living body.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1(A) is a schematic structural external view of a puncturing holder and a probe in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1(B) is a schematic structural diagram showing the attachment of the puncturing holder. Figure 2 (A) is a schematic external view of an intrabody cavity probe according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 (B) is a schematic external view of a puncture holder.
C) is a schematic configuration diagram showing the mounting of the puncture holder, and FIG.
A) is a schematic external view of a puncture holder, a puncture holder, and a puncture linear electronic scanning probe in the third embodiment, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing the attachment of the puncture holder. Diagram,
FIG. 4(A) is a schematic display state diagram of the monitor screen of the diagnostic device in the first and second embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 4(B) is a diagram of the monitor screen in the third embodiment of the present invention. ·Detector,
29.54 Magnet, 27.46.53 Holder, 2
0.40.50・Probe. Agent 7) Name: Patent attorney Shigetaka Awano and 1 other person 1
Figure Z5 & Figure 2 ＼ Figure Figure (A)

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) Holding for puncturing so that it fits into the housing of the ultrasound probe, which has an ultrasound transducer section that transmits and receives ultrasound toward the subject, and is equipped with a connection cable to the main device. An ultrasonic probe for puncturing, characterized in that it is provided with a detector that identifies and detects whether or not the puncturing holder is attached or the type of the puncturing holder. (2) A rotating support provided with an ultrasonic transducer, a container containing the rotating support and filled with an ultrasonic propagation medium liquid, a drive mechanism for rotating the rotating support, and A fitting portion is provided on the outer surface of the casing so as to coincide with the ultrasonic beam scanning plane of a mechanical scanning ultrasonic probe having a connection cable between the moving position detector and the main device, and the fitting portion is provided on the outer surface of the housing. 2. The ultrasonic probe for puncture according to claim 1, further comprising a puncture holder that fits into the puncture holder, and the fitting portion indicates the scanning start direction of the ultrasonic beam. (3) The ultrasonic probe for puncture according to claim 1, wherein the detector of the holder for puncture comprises a magnetic sensor, a metal sensor, a photoelectric sensor, or a microswitch. (4) A puncturing ultrasonic probe is equipped with a detector that identifies and detects whether or not a puncturing holder is attached, or the type of the puncturing holder. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by superimposing and displaying a puncture guide marker indicating a directional position on a tomographic image.